A review by jennywinder
American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins

adventurous dark emotional informative sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

This was a read that had me anxiously wanting to know what happens next. It ignited more empathy in me but was also so hard to read. Trauma after trauma occurs but the characters are so resilient and lovable and relatable. I wouldn’t recommend this book to everyone, but it is worth your time.

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Child death, Death, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Vomit, Police brutality, Grief, Mass/school shootings, Death of parent, Murder, and Deportation

Moderate: Cancer, Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Blood, Medical content, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, and Abandonment

Minor: Ableism, Emotional abuse, Infertility, Miscarriage, and Colonisation

If you’re working through your own traumas related to migration, drug trafficking, sexual assault, gun violence, or death perhaps pass on this one